What are custom orthotics?
Orthotics describe the products and devices that can help you walk better and more comfortably by supporting the foot and ankle. They can include shoe inserts designed to provide additional arch or toe support or shoes and other footwear that provide more “all over” support. While there are some “off-the-shelf” orthotics products available, they're designed for a broad range of wearers, and therefore, they often fall far short of offering the kind of support you need to feel comfortable. In fact, some over-the-counter orthotics can actually do more harm than good by forcing your foot and leg into an unnatural position that causes additional strain on joints, ligaments and muscles. Custom orthotics are designed especially for your foot, based on careful modeling of your foot and an evaluation of your unique issues so you get precisely the support you need.
How do custom orthotics work?
By supplying proper support directly where you need it, custom orthotics help align your foot properly to address issues like very high or low arches, flat feet, poor gait (walking) mechanics, and chronic issues like heel pain, bunions and tendinitis. They can also improve symptoms caused by arthritis or poor circulation.
What types of custom orthotics are available?
Dr. Matika can provide inserts as well as complete footwear and show modifications to help you preserve your foot health without interfering with the shoe styles that make you feel your confident best.
How can I tell if I need custom orthotics?
The best way to tell if a custom orthotic can help you eliminate foot pain is to have an evaluation with Dr. Mitika. And because your feet play such an important role in balance, custom orthotics may even help alleviate pain in your knees, hips and lower back.
